Say goodbye to Mid City Mall, hello to Mid City Market

Developer 'Branch Properties' revealed the new vision for Mid City Mall, which includes a Publix, public library, and retail space that hopes to attract local and national businesses.

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The curtain was finally pulled back Thursday night on what's coming to the Mid City Mall property and neighbors got their first real look at a project that's been months in the making.

Branch Properties representatives presented to the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, revealing plans for what will soon be known as "Mid City Market." And it turns out this isn't an outright sale of the property- it's a joint venture with the Metts family, who currently own the Bardstown Road shopping center.

"The Metts family is staying in this property with us," Jesse Shannon, president of Branch Properties, told neighbors. "Sandy chose us for our plan, not for our price."

The centerpiece of the redevelopment? A 50,000-square-foot grocery store. While Branch Properties didn't name the retailer, Shannon noted they are based in Florida, the logo is green and called it a "first class" grocery store. That description, combined with Branch Properties' existing Publix locations, has neighbors connecting the dots.

Saving the public library

The grocery store isn't the only major addition being discussed. Branch Properties confirmed they're in "active discussion" with Metro Louisville regarding keeping a public library on the property. It would be a standalone building that the city owns, and would include renovations to Beechwood Park that could allow library activities to spill into the adjacent green space.

The goal, Shannon explained, is to potentially sell or transfer the library space and Beechwood Park to Metro Louisville, creating a hybrid between city and private development that serves the community.

What it will look like?

The design will feature modern architecture while trying to honor Louisville's aesthetic. Shannon said they sent an architect to photograph "significant architectural properties" around the Highlands so the development would "feel native to Louisville."

Every building will include patio spaces, large sidewalks, and added landscaping- what Shannon described as "critical for community engagement." The two front buildings, facing Bardstown Road, will be two stories, while everything else will be single-story.

The alley behind Beechwood would be paved and converted to a two-way road. The alley behind Rosewood would remain a one-way thoroughfare. Shannon initially said both alleys would be paved, though one neighbor suggested the historic nature of the bricks behind Rosewood should be preserved.

The developers took several questions about parking concerns, assuring neighbors there would be plenty of on-site parking and it would be unlikely spill over onto nearby streets.

Businesses at the front of the shopping center now- like Heine Brothers Coffee and Raising Canes are not part of the project, but the developers have included them in the plan as existing structures that wouldn't change.

What won't be there

Branch Properties was clear about what they're not bringing to Mid City Market: no nightclubs, no gun stores, no vape shops. They're trying to avoid what they call "nuisance uses" that can attract crime. The focus will be on national, regional, and local tenants, though Shannon said they're not currently in discussions with any specific businesses- it's too early in the process.

There also won't be any zoning changes needed. Only site plan approval is required- a process that will be underway as soon as March.

Timeline and construction

If all goes according to plan, demolition of the existing structure could happen by the end of 2026, with the new development opening in the first quarter of 2028. Construction crews will come and go through the Bardstown Road entrance, and Shannon noted the whole site will be blocked off with construction fences during that process.

A long-term vision

Shannon told neighbors that Branch Properties has been working on this project for six months behind the scenes. The company specializes in grocery-anchored mixed-use properties and already operates two different developments in other parts of the state.

"At the end of the day, we really want to give this property some life," Shannon said, "it needs that."

He also promised that neighborhood sponsorships for events like the annual Tyler Park Easter Egg Hunt or Winter Festival will happen at Mid City Market. He said those are common when working with Branch Properties. "We need community buy-in, we need community support, we need you to shop here."

Neighborhood feedback

The presentation was well-received at the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association meeting. Neighbors said, "I'm really excited about this" and "I love the effort to retain the library and focus on trees."

Some neighbors did have questions that couldn't be answered just yet- like how will the company vet businesses? Will they prioritize local over national chains?

Other neighbors had suggestions that the developer could already say wouldn't be possible- like adding a back entrance to the Publix, allowing pedestrian access from Baxter Avenue. Shannon explained that grocery stores being built today typically only allow one entry point for safety reasons. He also said the back of the building will be used for trucks and loading space.

The developer also plans to create what they're calling "Rosewood Park"- a green space on the corner of Baxter and the alley behind Rosewood. They hope to include community art, such as a mural on the back of the Publix building. Shannon said that would be a decision he left to the neighborhood.

Branch Properties plans to present at several upcoming neighborhood meetings and is welcoming feedback, ideas, and questions.

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